Senator Craig Scandal Highlights Governors' Appointment Powers

For the third time in less than a year, the sudden departure from office of a U.S. senator — or the threat of a departure — has thrust a governor into the national spotlight, calling attention to the sometimes murky and often politicized process of how states choose congressional replacements.

The recent vacancies — or near-vacancies — have highlighted differences in state procedures for filling positions in Congress and the varied roles of governors in naming successors, especially in the exclusive, 100-member Senate, where openings are relatively rare.

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